Diabetes and Resveratrol

RESVERATROL: Multiple studies indicate that this potent anti-oxidant found in red wine has a positive effect on aging, cardio-vascular health, and Type II Diabetes

Below is an explanation of the effects of RESEVERATROL in general, but in particular as it applies to Type II Diabetes.

Studies and research are cited which indicate that this powerful anti-oxidant has beneficial effects on Type II Diabetes, insulin sensitivity, cardio-vascular health, as well as aging.

Free radicals that we're exposed to every day-in sunlight, pollution, chemicals in our food, water, and more-are one of the root causes of aging and disease! Many of the natural metabolic processes in our own bodies generate harmful free radicals. Free radicals are the natural by-product of normal cell metabolism and can be thought of like "smoke" produced by the cells in your body, not unlike the toxic smoke produced by your backyard grill. Within the body, free radicals are molecules that need additional oxygen. Free radicals can attack any cell in the body looking for oxygen, since most cells contain mitochondria, the respiration centers for cells. Free radicals have a propensity for highly vascularized tissues in the body such as the internal organs, the eyes, the cardio-vascular system, blood vessels, and capillary-rich extremities. When free radicals do attack cells, the cells become compromised, which leads to cell death. Extensive cell death results in tissue damage, pre-mature aging, and even organ failure.

Our main defense against free radical damage is anti-oxidants obtained through our diet. Anti-oxidants are only found in plants, particularly the darkly pigmented fruits and vegetables. There are a multitude of studies which prove that individuals who consume diets which are rich in anti-oxidants experience decreased signs of aging and disease. For many years, supplementation with anti-oxidants has been an accepted and necessary course of treatment in Macular degeneration. In Macular degeneration, the aim is not to cure or reverse the disease but to slow down the free radical damage in the retina, which hopefully will prevent further vision loss. Certain populations who regularly consume anti-oxidant rich foods appear to have lower incidences of cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, auto-immune conditions, and many age-related conditions.

Chances are you've heard about the French Paradox-you may have even heard about it when Barbara Walters did an entire segment concerning the paradox on 60 Minutes. The "paradox" is the fact that the French have outstanding heart health, despite their consumption of creamy sauces, croissants, and pastries, not mention the tremendous amount of smoking by the French as well. Back in 1992, scientists put their finger on their secret. The French drink red wine with nearly every meal, which is rich in a potent 'super-antioxidant,' called Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a special antioxidant, called a phytoalexin, that's found in the skins and vines of grapes. Wine grape plants make Resveratrol to defend itself from fungal invaders. You can think of it as the plant's natural protective armor, and in many ways that's exactly what it does for your body when you take it. By helping to scavenge and rid your body of those harmful free radicals, Resveratrol fights aging and disease. Plus, studies have shown that Resveratrol helps combat another leading cause of aging, inflammation. More recent studies are indicating that Resveratrol has very exciting implications in Diabetes treatments. No wonder 60 Minutes-and much of the media-are calling Resveratrol a "fountain of youth"

The studies on this potent antioxidant are mounting fast...

o Helps to Protect Your Blood Vessels: Preliminary research suggests that Resveratrol may help to protect the walls of your blood vessels against oxidation-which in turn helps to keep your heart, and entire cardiovascular system healthy.

o Keeps Your Blood Flowing as it Should: Preliminary studies suggest that the antioxidants in Resveratrol may help to inhibit platelet aggregation, helping to keep your blood flowing as it should.

o Supports Healthy Blood Pressure: Animal research suggests that the wine polyphenols in Resveratrol support healthy blood pressure and healthy blood vessel vasodilation-meaning your blood vessels expand and relax as they should.

o Supports Brain Function: Preliminary cell and animal research suggests that Resveratrol may support brain function by alleviating oxidative stress.

o Promotes Optimal Cellular Health: The polyphenols in Resveratrol are believed to promote optimal cellular health. Resveratrol may also play a role in promoting normal cell division.

o Helps Stave off Premature Aging: Resveratrol may play a role in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation that's linked to premature aging.

o Promotes Optimal Dental Health: Preliminary research suggests that Resveratrol may help to promote optimal dental health through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies and research abstracts concerning Resveratrol and Diabetes

Science Daily (October 2008) - Even relatively low doses of Resveratrol--a chemical found in the skins of red grapes and in red wine--can improve the sensitivity of mice to the hormone insulin, according to a new report. As insulin resistance is often characterized as the most critical factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes, the findings "provide a potential new therapeutic approach for preventing or treating" both conditions, the researchers said. The research group also confirmed that increased levels of an enzyme called SIRT1, which earlier studies had linked to longevity, DNA repair, and insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity in mice. Resveratrol is known to activate the SIRT1 enzyme.

The results suggest that "red wine might have some benefits for insulin sensitivity, but given the potential complications of drinking alcohol, an even better option may be to find other natural foods enriched with Resveratrol or foods supplemented with Resveratrol," he added.

Diabetes mellitus, the most common endocrine disorder, currently affects more than 170 million people worldwide and is expected to affect more than 353 million by the year 2030, Zhai said. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90 percent of diabetes cases, is characterized by the resistance of body tissues to stimulation by the peptide hormone insulin. Insulin normally lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the sugar's uptake, mainly into skeletal muscle and fat tissue, and by inhibiting glucose production in the liver. Currently, alleviating insulin resistance is still one of the key avenues to treating type 2 diabetes.

Earlier studies had reported a connection between SIRT1 and the processes of glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. However, whether SIRT1 was directly involved in insulin sensitivity remained largely unknown, the researchers said. Now, the researchers report that SIRT1 levels are reduced in insulin-resistant cells and tissues and that treatments that block the enzyme's function lead to insulin resistance. Furthermore, increased SIRT1 activity improved insulin sensitivity. Similarly, Resveratrol--at a dose of just 2.5 mg/kg/day--enhanced insulin sensitivity in cells. That low dose of Resveratrol also reduced insulin resistance in animals fed a high-fat diet, the researchers showed. Resveratrol is known to activate a gene called SIRT1, and SIRT1 is linked not only to insulin secretion, but also to better insulin sensitivity in mice. Other research has found a connection between SIRT1 and glucose metabolism. Researchers have reported that insulin resistant disorders like diabetes block normal activation of SIRT1, a factor resulting in the active study of SIRT1 activating compounds, of which Resveratrol in certainly a front runner.
"We found SIRT1 improves insulin sensitivity, especially under insulin-resistant conditions," Zhai said. "Furthermore, we found that Resveratrol, at a very low dose compared with many previous studies, improves insulin sensitivity via SIRT1." Previously, he noted, the effects of Resveratrol seen in mice had implied that humans might need to drink about 120 liters of red wine each day to get enough Resveratrol to enjoy the same benefit. "According to our findings, people might need to drink about three liters of red wine each day to get sufficient Resveratrol--about 15 mg--for its biological effects. But due to the side effects of alcohol ingestion, it is recommended that a liquid form of Resveratrol in a concentrated form would be the better alternative. "
The researchers include Cheng Sun, Fang Zhang, Xinjian Ge, Tingting Yan, Xingmiao Chen, Xianglin Shi, and Qiwei Zhai of Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai.

Resveratrol shows promise as diabetes treatment

October 9, 2008 - 6:59am ET Scientists have unveiled yet another study on the potential of Resveratrol. The chemical, which is found in red wine as well as a variety of plants, has been linked with improved sensitivity to insulin in mouse models, adding another possible therapeutic effect for an ingredient already associated with longevity and DNA repair. Resveratrol activates the SIRT1 enzyme, and researchers at the University of Florida say that could make it a candidate for treating diabetes. Researchers at U of FL have confirmed earlier reports that SIRT1 levels are reduced in insulin-resistant cells and tissues and that treatments that block the enzyme's function lead to insulin resistance. Furthermore, increased SIRT1 activity improved insulin sensitivity. Similarly, Resveratrol--at a dose of just 2.5 mg/kg/day--enhanced insulin sensitivity in cells. That low dose of Resveratrol also reduced insulin resistance in animals fed a high-fat diet, the researchers showed.

Central nervous system protection by Resveratrol in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2007 March;14(3):256-60

The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of Resveratrol against high blood glucose levels induced in rats by the drug streptozotocin. This drug is used in medical research to produce an animal model for type 1 diabetes. The researchers found that the administration of Resveratrol offered protective action in the brain and spinal cords because it reduced lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione levels. The study concluded that Resveratrol is a potential neuroprotective agent against diabetic oxidative damage.

Effect of Resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytoalexin, on thermal hyperalgesia in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathic pain.

Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. 2007 February;21(1):89-94
Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. Diabetic neuropathic pain is a symptom associated with diabetes mellitus. This condition is the result of injury to small blood vessels that supply the nerves. Diabetic neuropathic pain is very difficult to treat. The aim of this in vivo study was to determine the effect of Resveratrol on diabetic neuropathic pain. The researchers also measured the effect of Resveratrol on the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and whole brain nitric oxide release. The tests were carried out on mice treated with streptozotin to produce an animal model for Type 1 diabetes. The researchers found that an injection with Resveratrol significantly and dose-dependently attenuated thermal hyperalgesia, decreased the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and whole brain nitric oxide release. They concluded that Resveratrol holds a potential in attenuating diabetic neuropathic pain.

Resveratrol improves insulin secretion from rat pancreatic islets.

European Journal of Pharmacology. 2006 December 15;552(1-3):176-81

The phytochemical Resveratrol is known to have cardioprotective, anticancer and antioxidant activity but resent research also indicates that Resveratrol may help to alleviate diabetic complications. The aim of this study to determine the effect of Resveratrol on insulin secretion from incubated pancreatic islets. The researchers found that Resveratrol increased the release of insulin after being exposed to glucose. They concluded that Resveratrol exerts reversible effects on insulin secretion from incubated pancreatic islets.

So what do you do?

Drink large quantities of red wine? No. The average glass of red wine provides a mere 800 mcg of Resveratrol. Therefore, you would need to drink over 100 glasses per day to reach the threshold amounts discussed in the scientific studies. The benefits of Resveratrol are obviously negated by the harmful effects of the alcohol ingestion. A better alternative is to take a supplement containing Resveratrol. Several studies indicate that if the wrong form of Resveratrol is used, it may not be biologically effective. In addition, pills, tablets, and capsules of Resveratrol are less effective than ingesting a liquid form of Resveratrol. So what are you going to do? Consider drinking MonaVie Pulse!

MonaVie PULSE is a nutritional beverage that contains 19 fruits including Acai berry, Prickly pear, Bilberry, Apple, Aronia berry, Cranberry, Pineapple, Raspberry, Elderberry, Pomegranate, Tart cherry, Cupuacu, Blueberry, Strawberry, Acerola cherry, Yum berry, Camu-Camu, Concord grape, and Blackberry. This formula contains plant sterols in such concentration to deliver a therapeutic dose which has found to be effective in reducing cholesterol by the FDA and MonaVie has been approved as an alternative treatment for lowering cholesterol levels. Multiple studies have shown that ingesting 0.8 grams of plant sterols per day is effective in lowering cholesterol 8-15%. Two studies recommend adding plant sterols to one's diet rather than adding additional statin drugs to achieve lower cholesterol levels. One study indicated that there were significantly less side effects when using plant sterols as the first line treatment modality in fighting high cholesterol levels.

In additional to the cholesterol lowering ability offered by MonaVie Pulse, when Resveratrol is added into the formula, MonaVie Pulse has the added benefit of cardio-protection, reduced hypertension, improved HDL levels, and decreased insulin insensitivity.
As quoted in the study abstracts listed above, Resveratrol offers Type II diabetics unprecedented natural treatment options. The Resveratrol contained in MonaVie Pulse is a purified, clinically relevant, concentrated amount in liquid form. This liquid Resveratrol is better tolerated and absorbed by most people. Anechtdotal studies indicate that many diabetics have reduced their medications and treatments after using MonaVie Pulse on a consistent and regular basis.

MonaVie does NOT recommend deviating from current treatments without professional, medical advice, instruction, and direction.MonaVie does NOT recommend or portray any of their products as a treatment, cure, drug, or medication. MonaVie products are nutritional beverages that incorporate 19 super fruits into a healthy blend of juice. Results will vary from person to person. Please do not discontinue medications and/ or treatments without first seeking medical evaluation and expert medical advice.

Dr. J. Fredrick Litke, is a retired Optometrist from Henderson, KY who travels and lectures extensively on Nutrition and Health

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